New car registrations in the UK dropped by 11.5 per cent year on year in November, a result better than originally forecast.
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal a total of 139,875 units were registered last month, with demand from the fleet sector helping to offset private sales that have stuttered since the scrappage incentive scheme was withdrawn earlier this year. Total sales were up 14 per cent on November 2009 if scrappage volumes are discounted.
New car registrations are expected to finish 2010 at just over 2.03 million units, which would be two per cent up on 2009. December’s sales are likely to be buoyed by motorists look to beat the VAT rise in January.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Next year will continue to be challenging as consumer spending tightens and the government’s austerity measures take effect.”
The UK’s best-selling car last month was again the Ford Fiesta, although demand for superminis has decreased since scrappage ended.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: New car sales down in November
Vat doesnt go up until the 4th January so there is no need to have a 2010 reg car if you want a 2011.
Re: New car sales down in November
There is no guarantee that all manufacturers will pass on the VAT rise at the start of January, I expect some will absorb this initially to stimulate sales growth a bit longer.
Re: New car sales down in November
Not true. Registrations in December are usually low, as people prefer to wait until January to take delivery of their new car (so it's a 2011 car rather than a 2010 one). However, last year and this year, people generally prefer to have a car that's 'a year older' and not give the government any more tax than they need to. Plus there is inevitably demand for anything currently in stock and available for the same VAT reason, so dealers will have a better chance of getting rid of cars they have so far been unable to shift.